Building Decks With Scott Schuttner

Master carpenter Scott Schuttner, last seen in Basic Stairbuilding With Scott Schuttner (reviewed in our July-August 1990 issue) once again picks up his hammer and level, and builds two decks: a small model square deck, and a huge, multi-level hummer that Captain Kirk would be proud to stand on, issuing evasive action commands. Schuttner opens with a brief discussion about layout options which builders will have to consider depending on their local weather conditions, and then digs in, literally, sinking posts, affixing ledger boards, building a sturdy framework, making level changes, installing railings, and applying the finish. It's a top-notch production from beginning to end, and it's filled with the kind of pungent craftsman talk that I can use on my handyman brother-in-law without actually hurting my thumbs, like: "naw, Rick, the beauty of it is that any water which gets caught in the butt joist will drain on down through this crack, see?" And I hope he does see, because I'd have a helluva time trying to explain myself. A companion book by Schuttner, Building and Designing Decks is also available. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (Available from: Taunton Press, 63 South Main St., P.O. Box 5506, Newton, CT 06470-5506; (800)926-8776.)